Systems and apparatus for table conversion

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for converting tables having a horizontal planar surface and a frame affixed to one side of the surface. The frame is dimensioned to capture a plurality of tables beneath the table converting apparatus.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to copending U.S. Provisional PatentApplication entitled, “TABLE CONVERSION APPARATUS,” having Ser. No.60/486,977, filed Jul. 14, 2003, which is entirely incorporated hereinby reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is generally related to tables and tabletops and,more particularly, is related to an apparatus for converting one or moretables into a single table.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Restaurants, clubs, banquet halls and similar facilities often have aneed to provide tables and seating for varying numbers of guests. Forexample, one setting might require tables for four persons, while thenext setting might require tables for ten persons. One solution is tomove the smaller tables out of the room so that the larger tables can bemoved into the same space. However, this solution is labor-intensive,and requires storage space for the tables not in use. Another solutionis to join multiple tables together, edge-to-edge, to form a largertable. However, this solution does not provide a smooth continuoussurface for the enlarged tabletop.

To date, there are numerous methods for joining tables edge-to-edge. Forexample, U.S. Pat. No. 3,714,906 teaches auxiliary units with a concaveedge removably attached with magnets to the edge of a base circularunit. Additionally, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,146,855 and 5,673,631 teach joiningtables with fill in pieces and a joining leaf respectively. Further,methods for increasing tabletop area also include using an additionaltop for fitting over a single table. For example, U.S. Pat. No.2,529,051 teaches an auxiliary top which fits over the top of a tablewhere the underlying table is made of two sections which slide apart,and the sliding mechanism is used to secure the top to the table. Twopatents, U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,468,962 and 3,683,337 teach a top fitting overa single table and using a frame forming a recessed area.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention provide a system for providing avariety of table sizes, comprising: a plurality of tables, wherein eachof the plurality of tables comprises a tabletop having a top surface; atable converter top, wherein the table converter top comprises ahorizontal planar surface, wherein the top surface comprises an areagreater than the area of two of the plurality of tables; and a tableconverter frame, wherein the table converter frame is configured to beaffixed to the bottom surface and wherein the table converter frame isfurther configured to be positioned around the plurality of tables whenthe table converter top is placed on top of the plurality of tables.

Briefly described, an embodiment, among others, can be implemented asfollows. An apparatus for converting tables comprising: a horizontalplanar surface, wherein the horizontal planar surface comprises a firstside and a second side; and a frame affixed to the second side, whereinthe frame is affixed some distance from the edge(s) of the horizontalplanar surface.

An embodiment of the present invention can also be viewed as a systemfor providing a variety of table configurations, comprising: means forconverting a plurality of tables into a single table, wherein the singletable has a larger surface area than the sum of the surface areas of theplurality of tables; and means for storing a large single table, whereina single table converter is removed from the top of the plurality oftables, wherein the single table converter is stored in a compactmanner.

Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the presentinvention will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art uponexamination of the following drawings and detailed description. It isintended that all such additional systems, methods, features, andadvantages be included within this description, be within the scope ofthe present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with reference tothe following drawings. The components in the drawings are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearlyillustrating the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a tableconversion apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the table conversion apparatus ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of atable conversion apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of an alternative embodiment.

FIG: 6 is a partial, side-elevational and cross-sectional view of acorner of an embodiment of a table conversion apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a partial, bottom plan view of a corner of an embodimentshowing details of a bracket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Reference is now made to FIG. 1, an exploded view of an embodiment ofthe apparatus. One or more rectilinear tables 110, with tops 112 andlegs 114 are positioned side by side, with edges either touching orclose together. When so positioned, the tops 112 form a surface withdimension A×B. A table converter 120 has a top surface 130 and a frame140 attached to the underside of the top surface. The frame 140 isrectilinear in shape and has an inside dimension of A′×B′, which isslightly larger than A×B, and a depth which is greater than the depth oftops 112. The top surface 130 of this embodiment is substantiallyrectilinear in shape and sized to be larger than frame 140. One ofordinary skill in the art will realize that in an alternative embodimentthe frame 140 may be on the edge of the top surface 130, resulting in nooverhanging portion.

The table converter 120 is positioned above the tables 110 and alignedsuch that the tops 112 of the tables 110 fit closely inside the frame140. The table converter 120 is then lowered so that it rests on tables110. The size and shape of the frame acts to “capture” the tablesunderneath. Tables 110 stay in position and do not move apart becausethe frame 140 dimensions are only slightly larger than the dimensions ofthe tops 112. Horizontal movement of top surface 130 along tops 112 islimited by the frame 140.

The top surface 130 of the table converter 120 provides a smoothcontinuous surface, which is larger than the sum of the individualtables. In an alternative embodiment, the top surface 130 has roundedcorners. The table converter 120 does not require legs because it issupported by the legs 114 of the tables 110.

Although in this embodiment the tables 110 are similar in shape to thetable converter 120, this is not a requirement. Circular tables wouldalso work underneath a rectilinear table converter 120 with no loss offunctionality. Although circular tables do not fit togetheredge-to-edge, the frame 140 acts to keep the circular tables in place.For the same reason, a combination of circular and rectilinear tableswould also work underneath a rectilinear table converter 120 with noloss of functionality.

One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the tables 110 andthe table converter 120 may be composed of wood, plastic, metal or anycombinations of these materials. Further, the table converter 120 may beproduced as an assembly of components or as a one-piece structure.

Although this embodiment uses two tables 110, the systems and apparatusare not so limited. For example, three or more tables 110 could beplaced side by side, or four tables 110 could be arranged in a 2×2configuration to form a much larger surface area.

Reference is now made to FIG. 2, a partial, cross-sectional view of theembodiment in FIG. 1. Tables 110, with tops 112 and legs 114 arepositioned side by side within frame 140. Tables 110 fit closelytogether, and fit closely inside frame 140. Frame 140 hangs down fromthe top surface 130 of the table converter 120 to enclose tops 112 onall sides. In a preferred embodiment, the depth of frame 140 is suchthat frame 140 overhangs tops 112 completely. Top surface 130 is asmooth continuous surface larger than the total surface of theindividual tables 110.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of theapparatus. One or more circular tables 310, with tops 312 and centrallypositioned legs 314 are positioned close together or touching. When sopositioned, the tops 112 form a surface with dimension A×B. A tableconverter 320 has a top surface 330 and a frame 340 attached to theunderside of the top surface. The frame 340 is rectangular in shape andhas an inside dimension of A′×B′which is slightly larger than A×B, and adepth which is greater than the depth of tops 312. The top surface 330is oval and sized to be larger than frame 340.

The table converter 320 is positioned above the tables 310 and alignedsuch that the tops 312 of the tables 310 fit closely inside the frame340. The table converter 320 is then lowered so that it rests on tables310. The size and shape of the frame acts to “capture” the tablesunderneath. Tables 310 stay in position and do not move apart becausethe inside dimensions of frame 340 are only slightly larger than thedimensions of the tops 312. Horizontal movement of top surface 330 alongtops 312 is limited by the frame 340.

The top surface 330 of the table converter 320 provides a smoothcontinuous surface, which is larger than the sum of the individualtables. The table converter does not require supports because it issupported by the centrally positioned legs 314 of the tables 310.Additionally, the table converter top may be hinged to provide for morecompact storage and convenient carrying.

One of ordinary skill in the art will know that, although thisembodiment shows circular tables 310, other table geometries, such as,for example, octagonal, could be utilized in these systems. Similarly,although two tables 310 are shown under an oval top surface 330, alarger number of tables 310 (for example, four) may be used with anoctagonal top surface 330. Further, combinations of tables withdifferent top surface geometries can be used with a table converterhaving, for example, a rectilinear, circular, octagonal or other shape.Additionally, this embodiment is not limited to tables having a specificleg or support configuration. For example, one or more tables could havemultiple legs and be combined with one or more tables having pedestalstyle support.

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of an alternative embodiment where theframe is comprised of separate frame members 440 spaced at intervalsaround the perimeter of and attached to the underside of top surface 430with, for example, any suitable type and number of fasteners. In thisexemplary embodiment, the top surface 430 has a length and width greaterthan the area defined by the frame members 440. Although the exemplaryembodiment of FIG. 4 illustrates the frame members 440 positioned alongthe straight edges of the top surface 430, one of ordinary skill in theart will realize that the frame members 440 may be configured asseparate frame members 440 located at alternative positions forcapturing the tables, such as at the corners. Frame members 440positioned at the corners may be configured as substantially linearmembers or, in an alternative exemplary embodiment, as frame members 440having, for example, perpendicular components. One of ordinary skill inthe art will appreciate that the frame members 440 of alternativeembodiments are not limited to substantially linear or perpendicularconfigurations and may be configured as components at some other angle.

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of an embodiment. Frame 540 is attached tothe underside of top surface 530 with, for example, any suitable typeand number of fasteners. In this exemplary embodiment, the top surface530 has a length and width greater than the frame 540, so that someportion of top surface 530 extends outside and over frame 540. Anembodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 5, may have the frame 540 constructedof separate pieces which are joined together at the corners 510, but oneof ordinary skill in the art would realize that the frame 540 may be asingle piece and further that the table converter may be a single piece.In the embodiment of FIG. 5, frame 540 is constructed of separate piecesjoined together by a bracket 520 at each corner 510.

FIG. 6 is a partial, side elevational and cross-sectional view of acorner of an embodiment. Top surface 630 is attached to frame 640 with ascrew, nail, or other suitable fastener 660, or with glue or adhesive.In a preferred embodiment, the bottom edges 670 of frame 640 areslightly rounded rather than sharp to prevent catching and tearing.

FIG. 7 is a partial, bottom plan view of a corner 710 of the apparatusshowing details of bracket 720. Bracket 720 can provide strength whenframe 740 is constructed of separate members. Bracket 720 is attached tothe underside of frame 740 at corner 710 with a suitable number and typeof fasteners. In a preferred embodiment, the sides of bracket 620 areblunt rather than sharp to prevent catching and tearing.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of thepresent invention, particularly, any “preferred” embodiments, are merelypossible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clearunderstanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations andmodifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) of theinvention without departing substantially from the spirit and principlesof the invention. All such modifications and variations are intended tobe included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the presentinvention and protected by the following claims.

1. A system for providing a variety of table sizes, comprising: aplurality of tables, wherein each of the plurality of tables comprises atabletop having a table top surface and a table bottom surface; a tableconverter top, wherein the table converter top comprises a horizontalplanar surface, wherein the horizontal planar surface comprises aconverter top surface, wherein the horizontal planar surface comprises aconverter bottom surface, and wherein the converter top surfacecomprises an area greater than a surface area of two of the plurality ofthe table top surfaces; and a table converter frame, wherein the tableconverter frame is configured to be affixed to and extend below theconverter bottom surface and wherein the table converter frame isfurther configured to capture the plurality of tables when the tableconverter top is placed on top of the plurality of tables.
 2. The systemof claim 1, wherein the table converter frame extends below the tablebottom surface of the tabletop on each of the plurality of tables. 3.The system of claim 2, wherein the table converter frame furthercomprises a plurality of members, wherein each of the plurality ofmembers is affixed to the converter bottom surface, wherein each of theplurality of members is affixed to another of the plurality of members,such that the frame defines a portion of the converter bottom surface.4. The system of claim 3, wherein the each of the plurality of membersis affixed to another of the plurality of members with a joiningelement.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the joining element is astrap.
 6. The system of claim 4, wherein the joining element is abracket.
 7. The system of claim 4, wherein the plurality of tabletops isconfigured to fit inside the area enclosed by the frame when the tableconverter top is placed on the plurality of tables.
 8. The system ofclaim 7, wherein the frame comprises rounded corners.
 9. The system ofclaim 8, wherein the rounded corners comprise a constant radius ofcurvature.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a hinge onthe horizontal planar surface for folding the table converter top.
 11. Asystem for providing a variety of table configurations, comprising:means for converting a plurality of tables into a single table, whereinthe single table has a larger surface area than the sum of the surfaceareas of the plurality of tables; and means for converting a largesingle table into the plurality of tables, wherein a single tableconverter is removed from the top of the plurality of tables, whereinthe single table converter is stored in a compact manner.
 12. Anapparatus for converting tables comprising: a horizontal planar surface,wherein the horizontal planar surface comprises a first side forproviding a smooth table surface and a second side for engaging aplurality of tables; and a frame affixed to the second side for defininga recessed area on the second side of the horizontal planar surface,wherein the frame is configured to capture the plurality of tables. 13.The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the recessed area is configured toreceive a plurality of adjacent tables when the second side of thehorizontal planar surface is placed on top of the plurality of adjacenttables.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the frame issubstantially complementary with the plurality of tables, for preventingthe plurality of tables from shifting within the recessed area.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 13, further comprising a hinge on the horizontalplanar surface, for folding the apparatus.
 16. The apparatus of claim14, wherein the frame extends below the tops of the plurality of tables.17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the frame comprises roundedcorners.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the rounded cornerscomprise a constant radius of curvature.
 19. A method of using a tabletop conversion apparatus comprising: converting a plurality of tablesinto a single table, using a single tabletop converter, wherein thesingle table has a larger surface area than the sum of the surface areasof the plurality of tables; and converting a large single table into aplurality of tables, wherein the single tabletop converter is stored ina compact manner.